McGee gets his cherry eye repaired!
“Cherry eye" is a common term for prolapse (or popping out) of the third eyelid gland. In some dogs, especially certain breeds and often in younger animals, the gland of the third eyelid can become swollen and pop out of its normal position, making it visible as a reddish-pink mass in the corner of the eye, resembling a cherry. That's why it's called a "cherry eye."
In this case, surgical repositioning was needed to correct the cherry eye. This is the most common treatment; veterinarians surgically tack the gland back to normal. This approach is favored because it preserves the gland's function while maintaining healthy tear production.
McGee is expected to make a full recovery in just a few weeks!
Meet Millie!
Millie is a bulldog who was playing with some kids on the hot pavement, and all the chasing and sliding, unfortunately, rubbed off Millie’s paw pads, ouch!
The medical staff worked diligently to ease Millie’s pain by first removing any dead skin from her paw pads, then soaking them in an antiseptic solution before wrapping them in a clean bandage. She is expected to be back to her normal self in a few weeks. Millie was a trooper during her treatment and gave the staff kisses the whole time!
Keep in mind that asphalt temperatures are much hotter than the air temperature during hot days. If the air temperature is 77°F the asphalt temperature is 125°F, increasing as the air temperature increases.
Bloodwork is an important diagnostic tool used by veterinarians to assess the health of pets and to detect any underlying medical conditions and should be done annually with your pet's wellness exam. This procedure is especially important for middle-aged to senior pets in order to catch and treat any diseases early. Ask your veterinarian about bloodwork at your next visit!
Dental care for your pets is extremely important in preventing tooth decay, removing harmful bacteria, and ensuring they live a long life. Just like humans, dogs need to get their teeth cleaned regularly. If your pet is cooperative, we recommend dental care at home to help keep their teeth clean and healthy in between visits to the veterinarian. If your pet is due for a dental cleaning, book an appointment today!
Keeping your dog's joints healthy is a surefire way to give them a longer life. Providing regular exercise to maintain muscle strength and promote joint flexibility, giving them a balanced diet rich in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine, along with weight management, can help support healthy joints and reduce the risk of joint-related issues later in life!
Our feline clients are some of our favorites to care for. Here are 5 fun facts about cats!
1. Cats have a remarkable ability to rotate their ears up to 180 degrees, allowing them to locate sounds with incredible precision. This keen sense of hearing helps them detect even the faintest noises, making them skilled hunters.
2. Despite being carnivorous, cats have taste buds that are not particularly attuned to sweetness. They lack the taste receptors for detecting sweet flavors, unlike humans and many other mammals.
3. Cats are highly acrobatic and have a flexible spine that enables them to twist, turn, and squeeze through narrow spaces. Their exceptional agility is attributed to their collarbone, which is free-floating and allows for increased flexibility in navigating tight spots.
4. While cats are known for their independent nature, they are also capable of forming strong social bonds. Cats have been observed engaging in various forms of communication, including purring, rubbing against their owners, and even blinking slowly, all of which are considered signs of affection and trust.
5. Cats have an extraordinary sense of balance, aided by their highly sensitive inner ear structures. This remarkable balance allows them to land on their feet when falling from heights, a skill known as the "righting reflex." They can twist their bodies in mid-air and adjust their limbs to ensure a safe landing.
Why your pet needs Annual Bloodwork!
Annual Bloodwork: What it means and why your pet needs it.
•What is blood testing?
Blood testing informs your veterinarian of your pet's complete blood count or CBC. This tells them how many red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets. The other portion of the blood work, called the chemistry panel, helps evaluate the blood glucose level, liver function, kidney function, electrolyte balance and protein level in your pet’s body.
•Why does blood cell count matter?
Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen through the body, making them critical to a healthy life. The size, color, and appearance of red blood cells indicate many different diseases. Blood testing can help predict and prevent these diseases before they get critical.
•What about white blood cells?
White blood cells are responsible for immune system responses in the body. A high amount of white blood cells indicates infection or certain types of cancers. White blood cells also tell your veterinarian your pet's stress level, and if any inflammation is present.
•Do blood tests also test platelets?
Yes, platelets are responsible for healthy clotting to prevent bleeding. A low number of platelets can indicate an immune deficiency or disorders and other serious health problems.
•Why is the chemistry panel important?
This portion of the blood work helps the veterinarian evaluate how the internal organs are functioning and if there are any medications, diet, or lifestyle changes your pet may need in the future.
Blood testing is very important to understand your pet’s overall health (especially senior pets), predict and prevent disease, and develop a detailed health history. With annual testing, you can learn exactly how to care for your pet based on its unique health needs.
Ask your veterinarian about bloodwork at your next annual exam!
What to Expect at the Vet!
Bringing your pet to the veterinarian should be a pleasant experience for both of you. If you are a first-time pet owner of a rescue or a new puppy or kitten, here is what you should expect at your first exam.
Weight: We will weigh your pet to make sure they are in a healthy range for their age and activity level.
Exam: We will then examine your pet for any abnormalities all the way from their head to tail to paws.
Vitals: We will take your pet's temperature, listen to their heart and lungs, as well as look for any eye abnormalities.
Vaccinations: With a brand-new patient, we want to review vaccination history and make sure your pet is up to date with all their shots.
At-Home Care: We will discuss with you any routine care your pet may need at home and be sure to set you up for success!
Common Summer Dangers for pets!
Summertime is a great time to enjoy being a pet owner with sunny walks, backyard BBQs, swimming, and holidays! There are also dangers during the summer that your pet isn’t exposed to all year round. Be mindful of these summer health risks and how to protect your pet.
1) Hot Sidewalks: If cement is too hot for you to walk barefoot, it is also too hot for your dog. Go on walks early in the day to prevent burnt paws.
2) Sunburn: Short-haired and light-colored pets are susceptible to getting sunburn. Keep an eye on how much time your pet is spending in the sun or purchase pet sunscreen for hot days.
3) Dehydration: When hiking, camping, or spending a lot of time outside be sure to pack water for your pet. Dehydration happens quickly and can cause serious health complications.
4) Stinging Insects: Pets can have dangerous reactions to stinging insects which can cause swelling, lethargy, vomiting, and other allergic reaction symptoms.
5) Storms and fireworks: Summer heat may bring thunderstorms in many parts of the country and loud sounds such as thunder or fireworks can cause pets a lot of distress. Talk to your veterinarian ahead of time if you know your pet doesn’t respond well to loud sounds to discuss their recommendations.
Does your pet get anxiety going to the veterinarian?
Does your pet struggle with anxiety when visiting the veterinarian? Anxiety can be caused by many underlying things; fear, separation, lack of socialization, and trauma are a few. Here are some tips and tricks to help your dog ease anxiety during veterinarian visits.
1) Learn your pet’s triggers and emotional patterns. Work on non-threatening, and calming techniques leading up to the exam such as bringing out the cat carrier days in advance and placing treats and toys in it. Try taking pets in the car for a ride a couple of times before the vet to show them that the car is not a bad thing. It is also helpful to bring your pet’s favorite treats in hand at the time of the appointment as well for something you know they will enjoy.
2) Use positive reinforcement during your veterinary visit. Hospital staff is there to help you and your pet feel safe and comfortable but be sure to also use a soft tone of voice, stay calm, and use treats as comfort. You can even call ahead for additional tips, calming agents, and possible medications in preparation for the visit.
3) Build confidence by slowly facing fears at your pet's pace. The best way to face fears is to overcome them by staying positive and consistent with yearly exams, social visits, vaccinations, and teeth cleaning to help familiarize your pet with your regular veterinarian.
Vet Tech Appreciation Week - October 2021
🎉 National Vet Tech Appreciation week is upon us! 🎉 This week we are celebrating all of our hard-working support staff that make our hospital the place you know and love. Thank you for your time, dedication, and commitment to pet care and for putting a smile on our face.
Cheers to you!
World Rabies Day 2021
This week we celebrated World Rabies Day, the first and only global day of action and awareness for rabies prevention, which is an important day in the veterinary world. Every year, 59,000 humans die from rabies, and 29 million people worldwide receive post-bite vaccinations. While rabies in the United States is rare, working with organizations like World Vets to provide services to underdeveloped countries is key to eliminating this preventable virus. Safe and effective vaccines to protect people and animals from rabies are available, but accessibility and affordability continue to be an issue.
Focusing on education, awareness, and vaccine availability, the WHO is leading a multi-organization of the "United Against Rabies" campaign to end dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
Join us in the fight to end rabies and donate: https://bit.ly/WorldVetsDonate
Be Kind.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Along with organizations worldwide, we are working to change the conversation around suicide towards actions that can promote healing, help, and give hope in the veterinary industry.
• Spread kindness in your community with compliments or random acts of kindness.
Practice patience with family, co-workers, and local businesses.
• Take time for deep breaths and reflection. Every day presents new challenges so acknowledge something that didn't go as planned and make the choice to let it go.
• Check in with yourself and those around you often. If you or someone you know needs help, mental health resources are out there.
AVMA Free Training: https://bit.ly/PreventionAVMA NOMV: https://bit.ly/NotOneMoreVet The Lifeline: https://bit.ly/GetHelpSPL
#BeThe1To #NOMV #SuicideAwarenessMonth #PawsforPraise
